Sweet and Spicy Maple-Glazed Bacon Delights
Indulge your taste buds with these Sweet and Spicy Maple-Glazed Bacon Delights, a delectable twist on traditional candied bacon. Inspired by a beloved classic from Serious Eats, this recipe brings together the rich, smoky flavor of applewood-smoked bacon with a perfect balance of heat from mild red chili powder and the sweetness of brown sugar. Ideal for brunches, parties, or as a unique snack, this dish will leave your guests clamoring for more. With its irresistible crunch and a sticky glaze that clings to every slice, these bacon treats are sure to be a showstopper!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mild red chili powder
2 tablespoons (none)
Brown sugar
3/4 cup (firmly packed)
Applewood-smoked bacon
12 slices (thickly sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a shallow bowl, combine the mild red chili powder and firmly packed brown sugar, mixing well.
3
Line a jelly-roll pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
4
Take each slice of bacon and completely coat it in the chili sugar mixture by burying it. Be sure to rub the mixture on both sides to ensure an even coating.
5
Arrange the coated bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. For a fun presentation, you can leave the strips flat or twist each strip two to three times to create a delightful candied 'stick.'
6
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes without flipping, until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is set.
7
Once done, carefully remove the candied bacon from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Use tongs to transfer the strips to a wire rack or a plate to prevent sogginess—be cautious, as the hot sugar can cause burns.
8
Serve warm and enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Spicy Maple-Glazed Bacon Delights?
These are a delectable twist on traditional candied bacon that combines smoky applewood-smoked bacon with a sweet and spicy glaze.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires only 3 main ingredients: mild red chili powder, brown sugar, and applewood-smoked bacon.
What type of bacon is recommended?
The recipe calls for 12 slices of thickly sliced applewood-smoked bacon.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
How much brown sugar is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of firmly packed brown sugar.
What kind of chili powder is used in the coating?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of mild red chili powder.
How do I prepare the coating mixture?
Combine the mild red chili powder and the firmly packed brown sugar in a shallow bowl and mix well.
How do I ensure the bacon is evenly coated?
Bury each slice of bacon in the sugar mixture and rub it on both sides to ensure an even coating.
Should I line the baking pan?
Yes, line a jelly-roll pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Can I twist the bacon strips for presentation?
Yes, you can leave the strips flat or twist each strip two to three times to create candied sticks.
Should the bacon strips overlap on the pan?
No, you should arrange the bacon strips on the baking sheet ensuring they do not overlap.
How long does the bacon bake?
The bacon should bake for 30 minutes.
Do I need to flip the bacon while it is in the oven?
No, the bacon is baked for 30 minutes without flipping.
How do I know when the bacon is finished?
The bacon is ready when it is crispy and the glaze has set.
What should I do once the bacon is removed from the oven?
Allow it to cool slightly, then use tongs to transfer the strips to a wire rack or plate.
Why should I use a wire rack for cooling?
Using a wire rack helps prevent the candied bacon from becoming soggy.
Are there any safety warnings for this recipe?
Yes, be cautious as the hot sugar can cause serious burns.
Should this dish be served warm?
Yes, it is best enjoyed while warm to experience the full sweet and spicy flavors.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary flavor notes of this snack?
The flavor profile is a balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy heat.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Absolutely, these bacon delights are an ideal snack for parties, brunches, or unique treats.
What category of food does this belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Pork.
Does the recipe include actual maple syrup?
While the title mentions maple-glazed, the ingredient list focuses on brown sugar and chili powder to create the glaze.
What is the preparation for the brown sugar?
The brown sugar should be firmly packed when measured.
Can I use a different type of smoked bacon?
The recipe specifically suggests applewood-smoked bacon for its rich flavor, but other smoked varieties could be used.
What equipment is needed for cleaning efficiency?
Parchment paper is recommended for lining the pan to make cleanup easier.
What is the texture of the finished bacon?
The finished bacon has an irresistible crunch with a sticky glaze.
How many slices of bacon are prepared?
The recipe prepares 12 slices of bacon.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a beloved classic from Serious Eats.
Is the chili powder used very hot?
No, the recipe calls for mild red chili powder to provide a gentle balance of heat.